Bike & Boat

Vietnamese Adventure · Vietnam

From 3609 €

Islandhopping
Cycling Tours
Bike & Boat Vietnam | Guided bike tour in Asia

Route
from Hanoi / to Ho Chi Minh

Duration
15 days /
14 nights

Distance
approx.
190 km

Level 2 / 5

Level 1 / 5
Cycling tours through predominantly flat terrain, mostly on paved bike paths or well-maintained roads. Suitable for cyclists who can handle several-hour-long bike tours.

Level 2 / 5
Cycling tours through gently rolling terrain with ascents of up to approximately 150 meters. Mostly on paved bike paths and low-traffic roads. Suitable for cyclists who enjoy multi-hour tours and can confidently handle descents.

Level 3 / 5
Cycling tours through hilly terrain with longer ascents of up to approximately 250 meters. Mostly on paved roads, occasionally on unpaved gravel paths. Suitable for cyclists who ride regularly and can confidently navigate varying surface conditions.

Level 4 / 5
Cycling tours through hilly to mountainous terrain with some steeper ascents of up to approximately 400 meters. Requires confident riding on winding descents, uneven asphalt, and occasionally gravel paths. Suitable for experienced cyclists accustomed to longer daily stages.

Level 5 / 5
Cycling tours through mountainous terrain with demanding ascents exceeding 500 meters. Requires excellent bike handling, even on descents with steep hairpin turns and unpaved paths. Suitable for highly experienced cyclists accustomed to challenging routes.

Land of dragons and contrasts

Vietnam is a thrilling country full of contrasts, overwhelmingly spectacular nature, and mysterious monuments of times gone by. The country is home to bustling, vibrant cities and rural districts with deep-rooted traditions and an irrepressible optimism. Vietnam boasts ever changing landscapes and one of the most diverse cuisine cultures in the world. Spend two weeks actively exploring this fascinating country and immerse yourself in the vibrant far eastern flair. Explore the rocky fairy-tale world of the famous Ha Long Bay sailing on a traditional junk. Admire the lush green rice fields, visit colourful temples and pagodas, and let the emerald-green waters of the South China Sea enchant you. Explore the impressive monuments of the Vietnamese emperors as well as the historical town of Hoi An, a World Heritage Site, in Central Vietnam, and the expansive water labyrinth of the Mekong Delta in South Vietnam.

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Highlights

Culture: Huế with its relics of the old imperial dynasties as well as the "Lantern City" Hội To

Nature: The island world of the Hạ Long Bay and the impressive Mekong Delta

Activity: Kayak tour in Lan Ha Bay

Culinary: Phở, traditional Vietnamese soup

Souvenirs: Tailored, silk clothes are a beautiful, and useful, souvenir

Itinerary

Arrival at Hanoi Airport. A shuttle bus takes you to your hotel in the heart of the old quarter of Hanoi. Despite its three million inhabitants, Hanoi’s traditional charm is pervasive. The historic old town district is considered as one of the best preserved in Southeast Asia. The colourful and bustling streets contribute to the Asian flair. We may take a walk through the colorful, lively streets before visiting the famous water puppet theatre - a traditional Vietnamese form of art. Afterwards we have dinner in a local restaurant where we get to know our fellow travellers better. Overnight stay at the hotel in Hanoi. (Meals: D)

After breakfast our shuttle bus takes us in the direction of the rural province of Ninh Binh. That’s where we start our first cycling tour along vibrant green rice fields to Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam. After exploring the fascinating historical site with its well-preserved relics of past dynasties, we continue our cycling tour, which takes us through Vietnam‘s most spectacular landscapes. Along the way we stop in the quaint village of Trang An Farm where we are able to try some local specialties for lunch. After lunch we continue by bike for a few kilometres to Tam Coc where we visit a local bird sanctuary. Here we enjoy a boat ride in this truly unique setting. Every evening the flock of birds returning to their nests is a spectacular sight. Overnight stay at the hotel in Tam Coc. (Meals: B, L, D)

After breakfast, we take a four-hour transfer to Ha Long Bay, where we board a junk (a traditional wooden boat) and enjoy our lunch. Soon after we leave the harbour for our first boat passage through the spectacular UNESCO protected island world of Ha Long Bay with its wonderful, bizarre rock formations. Here we get a first impression of the lush vegetation of the islands and the numerous caves that have formed over the millennia in the bay. In the evening we enjoy a spectacular sunset. The night is spent on anchor. (Meals: B, L, D)

After breakfast we cruise, via a smaller boat, to the national park of Cát Bà Island. Once we have arrived, we begin our cycling tour to a small tribal village of the Việt Hải minority. We park the bikes here and enjoy a guided walk through the protected old-growth forest where wild, unspoilt nature rules. Guests will enjoy dinner followed by an overnight on the ship. (Meals: B, L, D)

In the morning, we disembark the junk and take a transfer boat to Lan Ha Bay, where we enjoy a guided kayak tour around the lagoon-like shoreline. Our first stop is a beautiful hidden beach. After a picnic and a lengthy relaxing swim break, we continue with a kayak tour past floating houses to Cat Ba, the next destination of our journey. A short transfer takes us to a beautiful resort, where the evening can be enjoyed on the hotel’s very own sandy beach or by the pool. (Meals: B, L, D)

Enjoy a free morning until the scheduled transfer (which will be communicated the evening before). We then take a transfer to Hai Phong Airport for a late afternoon flight to Danang. Dinner and overnight will be enjoyed in a hotel in Hội An. Note: in the event the original flight to Danang (from Hai Phong) is cancelled or changed, we will transfer guests to Hanoi to catch a connecting flight. (Meals: B, L, D)

Today we have the opportunity to experience the everyday life and work of the local farmers. After breakfast, we ride through the quiet countryside of Hội An towards Tra Que Village. The name of the area originates from a sweet-scented vegetable often used by the locals to spice up their meals: a totally new and foreign speciality! We prepare a meal with our host who familiarises us with the exotic ingredients. The afternoon can be spent as you wish: A stroll through the picturesque old town or a relaxing afternoon swim at the white beach of Cửa Đại or at An Bang Beach. Overnight stay at a hotel in Hội An. (Meals: B, L)

We have the full day to explore (on foot) the sights and sounds of Hội An. Its narrow streets, lantern-lit storefronts and fusion of various styles of traditional Asian architecture give it a charming feel. Two of the city’s main specialties are clothing and food. Also, don't miss visiting the Japanese Bridge and Quan Cong Temple. In the afternoon you can enjoy all the benefits of your luxurious hotel resort and end the day at the palm tree shaded pool. Overnight at the Hotel in Hội An. (Meals: B, L)

After breakfast we check out of the hotel and make our way to the former imperial city of Huế. Our transfer takes us over the Cloud Pass, the weather line between North and South Vietnam. After a short stopover on Lăng Cô Beach, we have the opportunity to cycle all the way along the coastline to Lap An Lagoon. You can decide for yourself how many kilometres you wish to travel by bike or by bus. After Lap An Lagoon, we continue cycling backroad on gentle winding road toward Phu Gia Pass. If weather conditions allow, we can stay for a refreshing swim before continuing to Huế. After checking into our lodge, the evening offers us some leisure time to explore the city for ourselves. Overnight stay at a hotel in Huế. (Meals: B, L)

Today is dedicated to the old imperial city Huế, charmingly situated between hills and rice fields on the bend of the Perfume River. It is here that the spiritual heart of Vietnam beats with more than 300 temples and pagodas. After breakfast, we explore the citadel with the "Forbidden Purple City" of the Nguyen dynasty. Enjoy lunch in a good local restaurant. An afternoon bike ride takes us to the famous Thanh Toan Bridge. After exploring the local villages with its unique architecture, temples and bridges we cycle bike back to Huế. The evening can be spent as you wish with plenty of time to explore the lively centre of Huế. . (Meals: B, L)

After breakfast we catch a morning flight to Hồ Chí Minh City with a subsequent transfer to Mỹ Tho, the gateway to the delta. After lunch begins your cycling tour to Vinh Long, the capital of the province, which lies between two major branches of the Mekong River. On your way to Cái Bè, you can admire the lush vegetation of the delta and the many rice fields along the route. Upon arrival in Cái Bè, you will take a small boat to cross over to a little island, where our resort for the night is located. Dinner will be served there. (Meals: B, L, D).

After breakfast you will cycle around the island along palm-shaded paths. After returning to the lodge for lunch, we continue by boat to Vinh Long. If you wish, you can further explore the beautiful landscape on an additional bike ride. A transfer will then take you to Can Tho. After checking in at the hotel, you'll have time to relax before enjoying dinner together at a riverside restaurant. (Meals: B, L, D)

After breakfast, you will take a small private boat to Cai Rhang, the most famous floating market in Vietnam. We then visit the region's largest farmer's market, rounding out our cultural experience of Southern Vietnam. Make sure to have a camera at the ready, as the colourful fruit stands beg to be captured. After lunch on board we take a transfer to Hồ Chí Minh City. Overnight stay at a hotel in Hồ Chí Minh City (Meals: B, L)

Hồ Chí Minh City, formerly Saigon, is a boomtown and the modern centre of Vietnam. On a guided city tour we learn about this growing megacity, and visit the town hall, the cathedral Notre Dame, the main post office, influenced by Renaissance architecture, and other important sights which characterize the city’s history. In the afternoon, you are free to do as you please. Take the opportunity to buy some souvenirs and dive into the bustling crowds in the Bến Thành Market. A comfortable evening meal together allows us to reflect on the events of the vacation and to farewell fellow guests and tour guides. Overnight stay at the hotel in Hồ Chí Minh City. (Meals: B, L, D)

Departure after breakfast or extended stay in Hồ Chí Minh City or Siem Reap. (Meals: B)

Accommodation

Vietnam Junks (Premium Class)

Our boats in Vietnam are traditional wooden junks that make their way through the rocky fairytale world of Hạ Long Bay.

It is easy to feel at home on the junks. Both the elegant interior of the salon and the thoughtfully prepared laid tables at every meal contribute to this. Tasteful wicker chairs and furniture made of fine wood create a tasteful ambience during meals.

The guest cabins, whose colonial-style furnishings exude a Far Eastern flair, are equipped with individually adjustable air conditioning. The cabins' large windows are a welcomed feature for our guests. Sun loungers are…

Our Hotels in Vietnam

In Hanoi, Tam Coc, on Cát Bà island, in Huế, Cái Bè, Cần Thơ and Hội An (Central Vietnam) and in Hồ Chí Minh City you spend the nights in very good three to four stars hotels. All the rooms have their own bathroom/toilet and air-conditioning.

We will send you a list of the hotels and telephone numbers shortly before the tour begins.

…

Vietnam Junks
The Hotels

Rental Bikes

Trek Marlin 5 and Trek Marlin 6

As there are a number of domestic flights during this tour, the rental bikes used during this tour change in each destination. Guests ride a total of four different bikes on this tour. In the Ha Long Bay as well as in the Mekong area guests ride a Trek Marlin with anti-lock disc brakes.

In central Vietnam we do not go for long cycling tours and so the bikes are fairly basic.…

Good to know

As most of the bikes do not have a carrier, we strongly recommend bringing a backpack to carry water. Small bottles can also be transported in the handlebar bags provided. In most cases the tour guide also carries some water for refills.

If would like to bring your own saddle (without seat post) or pedals from home, you are more than welcome to do so. Your tour guides will gladly help you mount them on the rental bikes.

…

Our Bikes
Good to know

Services, Dates & Prices

The below calendar lists the basic cruise price per person. The final cruise price depends on cabin type, cabin occupancy and any additional optional services. The prices for additional optional services are listed below the travel calendar. The green checkmark indicates that the trip is secured.

Time Period	Tour	Country	Accommodation	Route	Availability	Price from The final price is dependent on the type of cabin, the number of guests staying in the cabin and any additional services booked.
October 2026
25.10. Comfirmed departure 25.10. – 08.11.	Bike & Boat Vietnamese Adventure	Vietnam	Vietnamese Junk & Hotel	Hanoi bis Ho Chi Minh City	available	3869,00 €	To Booking
November 2026
22.11. Comfirmed departure 22.11. – 06.12.	Bike & Boat Vietnamese Adventure	Vietnam	Vietnamese Junk & Hotel	Hanoi bis Ho Chi Minh City	available	3869,00 €	To Booking
08.11. Comfirmed departure 08.11. – 22.11.	Bike & Boat Vietnamese Adventure	Vietnam	Vietnamese Junk & Hotel	Hanoi bis Ho Chi Minh City	available	3869,00 €	To Booking

15 day trip/14 nights of which 2 overnight stays on comfortable ships in air conditioned twin cabins and 12 overnight stays in very good hotels (at least 3 stars ranking)
Catering as specified in the itinerary
Guided bicycle tours and walks according to program
All city tours and entrance charges to National Parks, museums, etc.
Rental bikes (the bikes vary from destination to destination)
Airport transfers on the official arrival and departure day
Domestic flights (see description)
English speaking guides

Inbound flight to Hanoi and outbound flight from Ho Chi Minh City
Beverages on board and in hotels
Meals not described in itinerary
Tips
Valid visa for Vietnam
SGR Insolvency protection (5€ per person)

⇒ SGR Insolvency protection (mandatory consumer contribution SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme: € 5 per person - will be specified separately on the booking confirmation)

Single room charge (single rooms are only guaranteed for overnight stays in the hotels, not on the boat)	50% surcharge on the tour base price
Insurance against theft and damage of the rental bike (not insured: grossly negligent damages)	10 euro per trip
E-bike rental	200 euro (3 days in North Vietnam / 3 days in South Vietnam)
Exclusive airport transfers (if not on arrival or departure days)	Prices on request
Additional nights in Hanoi and Hồ Chí Minh City	Prices see "additional nights"
Extension programs in Hanoi and Siem Reap & Angkor Wat	Prices see "extension program"

If this is your second Islandhopping tour booked directly with us, you will receive our Welcome-back-discount of 3% on the basic tour price.
If this is your third or more Islandhopping tour booked directly with us, you will receive our Loyalty-discount of 5% on the basic tour price.

Arrival - How to get there

Travel Preparations

Please note that you have to book your outward flight to Hanoi and the return flight from Ho Chi Minh City. If at all possible, the outward flight should arrive before noon on the arrival day. Your Islandhopping trip officially begins with a welcome drink at 5 pm in the hotel lobby.

A trip to Vietnam and a holiday spent there requires a certain amount of preparation in regard to formalities.

In order to avoid time pressure while going through the formalities, you should have booked your trip to Vietnam at least two months before commencement of the tour.

How to get to Vietnam - Flights

We recommend booking flights through a travel agent. Please note that you must book the outward flight to Hanoi and the return flight from Hồ Chí Minh City.

The earlier a flight is booked the better the chances are of finding a reasonably priced ticket. Please let your travel agent inform you of the best possibilities for your specific situation.

Entry Requirements for Vietnam

As entry and customs regulations can change at short notice, we recommend that you also check the information provided here with the representative of your destination country.

Visa exemptions: Citizens from Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Japan, South Korea, Finland, Russia and Belarus can enter Vietnam without a visa. This applies to stays of a maximum of 45 days. For all stays longer than 45 days, a corresponding visa is required, which can be applied for as an e-visa.

Visa requirement: Citizens of Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Ireland require a visa in any case - the easiest and cheapest way is to obtain an e-visa.

In any case, you must have a passport with you that is valid for six months beyond the date of entry and has at least 2 free pages for endorsements. It is also recommended that you have a printout of your return flight ticket with you. Showing this copy when you enter the country can simplify the process
enormously.

Please check the information provided here yourself. Boat Bike Tours B.V. accepts no liability for any incorrect information.

Visa Requirements

Citizens of Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Ireland and all citizens from USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand require valid visa or e-visa, which can be obtained from the Vietnamese embassy or also online.

You can apply for an e-visa in English via the following link: Vietnam National Electronic Visa system

The processing time is usually around 13 days and only begins once all the necessary documents have been received. Children traveling with you need their own passport and visa.

Onward journey to Siem Reap (Cambodia)

Should you book the additional days in Siem Reap you can organise the flight from Hồ Chí Minh City to Siem Reap with Islandhopping and fly home directly from Siem Reap. Should you need a return flight from Siem Reap to Hồ Chí Minh City, Islandhopping would be happy to help you with this as well. Please check the flight’s arrival time in Hồ Chí Minh City before booking the connecting flight to your destination.

Preparation
Flights
Entry
Visa
Onward Journey

If you would like to extend your trip

Extension program in Siem Reap & Angkor Wat

The extensive temple complex of Angkor Wat in Cambodia is undeniably one of the most incredible wonders of the world. Visiting these spectacular temples is a wonderful way to complement your Vietnam tour. Our 4-day extension program in Siem Reap & Angkor Wat consists of three overnight stays in Siem Reap, guided bike tours and hikes, and of course plenty of time visiting the breath-taking temples of Angkor Wat.

Temple ruins covered in the roots of a large tree in Angkor Wat

Additional nights in Hanoi

Would you like to spend a few days in Vietnam ahead of your Islandhopping tour, allowing yourself to properly arrive and settle in before your trip begins? Then we would be happy to arrange extra nights in Hanoi, the starting point of your trip. Despite the three million people living in Vietnam’s capital, the city is still brimming with its traditional charm. The historical city quarter is one of the best preserved in all South East Asia. Immerse yourself in the cultural flair of this incredible city as you walk through the vibrant, colourful streets.

Extension program in Hanoi

With so much to see in the Vietnamese capital, we highly recommend extending your trip by a few days. A great and easy way to do so is with our two-day additional program in Hanoi. Besides transfers from the hotel and the hotel stay (including breakfast), our extension programme also includes a city tour, entrance into various museums, and a traditional lunch. Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, you will explore the fascinating city, learning lots of interesting facts along the way.

White-grey Temple of Literature in Hanoi

Additional nights in Hồ Chí Minh City

We are happy to arrange additional nights in Hồ Chí Minh City after your Islandhopping trip. Formerly Saigon, this rapidly growing city is the modern centre of Vietnam. Numerous museums depict Vietnam's eventful history while the modern city streets are bustling with life almost 24 hours a day.

Extension program
Siem Reap & Angkor Wat
Additional nights
In Hanoi
Extension program
in Hanoi
Additional nights
in Hồ Chí Minh City

Important information

LEVEL 2 / 5

Bike tours through predominantly flat terrain with no gradients to speak of. Mostly on roads with little traffic, but sometimes also on unpaved paths. The difficulty of cycling tours in Vietnam is primarily due to the unfamiliar climatic conditions.

Distance:
16 - 30 km per day

Elevation:
30 - 50 meters of elevation per day

Road condition:
The tours are mostly on paved paths. In the dry Ha Long Bay and in the Mekong Delta, the cycle tours take place on narrow concrete slab paths, occasionally also on gravel paths. On the asphalt roads in Vietnam, you can expect to encounter chippings and small potholes. For this reason, our rental bikes are also equipped with good tires and suspension to compensate for the unevenness.

Traffic:
Around 95% of the cycling routes take you along quiet, rural roads with little to no traffic, far from busy main roads. Only a short stretch of the tour in Huế passes through more congested city traffic. However, the traffic here moves slowly, making this section manageable with cautious and attentive riding.

Infrastructure:
There are no designated bike paths in Vietnam, so the bike tours take place on public roads, preferably on quiet side streets.

Relevant for all levels:
Safe cycling skills and familiarity with road traffic are prerequisites for taking part in our tours. All tours, including the elevation gains, can be mastered more easily with electronic assistance. Anyone renting an e-bike should already have experience and be confident in handling e-bikes, as these bikes are significantly heavier and faster than conventional bikes.

Individual cycling
This tour is primarily a guided group tour. Upon consultation with your tour guides, the possibility to cycle on your own along recommended, suitable routes, may present itself. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend on board the boat, instead of taking a planned bike tour.

Vietnam allows visa-free entry for up to 45 days for citizens of 13 countries and e-visas for citizens of 80 countries.

Visa exemptions: will be offered for citizens of the following 13 countries: Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Japan, South Korea, Finland, Russia and Belarus. Visa exemptions permit travel for up to 45 days without a visa regardless of passport type or entry purpose.

E-Visas: will be offered for citizens of 80 countries including the United States and most European nations not included in the visa exemptions above. E-visas are single-entry 30 day tourist visas.

There are no required vaccinations for Vietnam. The institutes for tropical diseases, however, do recommend a vaccination against hepatitis A and under certain circumstances also against typhoid. As some of these vaccinations must be repeated, be sure to plan with plenty of time. A sufficient tetanus protection as well as a vaccination against polio and diphtheria (given in a single vaccination) should also be up to date. A prophylactic malaria treatment is not absolutely necessary. We recommend that you see your family doctor or a doctor for tropical diseases at least two months before the trip in order to get the necessary advice.

Due to our international audience all Islandhopping tours are conducted bilingually, in English and German.

We reserve the right to make changes to the route in the case of changing wind and weather conditions as well as for reasons of organizational necessity.

On our regular cycling tours the riding pace is determined by the cyclists on regular bicycles. We ask guests who have reserved an e-bike to be mindful of this and to acknowledge that also the regular cyclists need time to rest and longer to climb the hills. Thank you for your understanding.

Due to the fact that specific destinations of the journey are connected by domestoc flights, you’ll get four different bikes. In the Ha Long Bay as well as in the Mekong area you’ll bike the Trek 4300 MTB with anti-lock disc brakes. In central Vietnam, where we won’t have long biking distances, the bikes are rather basic.

If you don’t want to give up your own usual saddle (without seat post) or your own clipless pedals, we ask you to bring them. The tourguides can mount them on the rental bikes.

Since the bikes are usually without a carrier and it’s important to drink enough on the bike rides, we recommend you to bring a backpack hydration. Small bottles can also be transported in the provided handlebar bags. In most cases the tour guide also carry smaller water supplies for refilling.

The exact catering services can be found in the tourdescription (B = Breakfast; L = MLunch and D = Dinner).

Helmet use is mandatory on all cycle tours. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own (well-fitted) helmet. A limited number of helmets are available on site (reservation required).

We believe that only children in a good physical condition and of a minimum age of 10 and with previous cycle tour experience are able to master the cycle-tours on their own strength. Please note that the minimum height for a rental bike is 1.50 m (5 ft.).

Please do not forget that the ship is your hotel as well as a machine, which has to be maintained and operated – day and night. A certain level of noise is therefore inevitable.

Vietnamese Adventure · Vietnam